Is This All-Natural Lube a Good Idea?

You may have heard that Gwyneth Paltrow swears by natural forms of lube, like olive oil and aloe vera. And you may have also promptly dismissed it as kinda weird. But experts say there’s one natural lube that’s actually worth looking into: coconut oil.

“I used to recommend olive oil all the time to patients as a natural lubricant, but I now recommend coconut oil,” says Nancy Herta, M.D., an ob-gyn at Michigan State University. “If you use it as a sexual lubricant, it’s much better.”

Sexologist Emily Morse, D.H.S., host of the podcast “Sex With Emily,” agrees that it’s a good, all-natural alternative to silicone or water-based lubes. “Coconut oil is antibacterial, antifungal, and extremely moisturizing,” she says. “It’s free of any added chemical or toxins, making it seem like the ideal choice for women with allergies or sensitive skin.” (A 2013 study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that virgin and extra virgin coconut oil have the antibacterial properties.)

Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, it’s not perfect in the lube department. Because coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal, there’s a chance that it could disrupt your vagina’s natural pH balance and cause a yeast infection if you’re prone to them, Morse says. And, because it’s an oil-based lube, it’s not safe for use with condoms. (If you're concerned about stuff like parabens in your lube and want to try non-food options, there are plenty of all-natural products out there like SKYN's Natural Feel, which contains aloe vera and vitamin E, and is safe for sensitive skin.)

As with anything, if you try out coconut oil and have a reaction, stop using it immediately. But, if you’re not prone to yeast infections and want to try something all-natural, coconut oil might be the way to go. Your partner will appreciate it too since, as Herta points out, “it tastes pretty good.”

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